Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A recreational off-highway vehicle ROV includes a first connection subframe connected to a first rear subframe and a main frame, and an arm connector disposed rightward of a left upper arm and leftward of a right upper arm and supporting the right and left upper arms. A distance between first and second upper connections connecting the first rear subframe and the first connection subframe is longer than a distance between first and second lower connections connecting the main frame and the first connection subframe. A first upper end portion of a left shock absorber and a second upper end portion of a right shock absorber are disposed between the first and second upper connections in a rear view of the vehicle.

This application claims priority to Patent Application No. 2014-261977filed in Japan on Dec. 25, 2014, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicles suitable for traveling overrough terrain.

2. Description of the Related Art

Vehicles suitable for traveling over rough terrain are conventionallyknown. Included among such vehicles are an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) anda recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV). For example, U.S. Pat. No.7,461,851 B2 discloses an ROV including rear wheels, a rear frame, upperarms, lower arms, and shock absorbers. The rear wheels are supported bythe rear frame via the upper and lower arms. The shock absorbers areconnected to the rear frame and the lower arms.

Each shock absorber is arranged so that its upper end portion isdisposed outward of the rear frame. Such an arrangement reduces thewidthwise distance between each rear wheel and the upper end portion ofthe associated shock absorber. To enable each shock absorber to have asufficient stroke, a sufficient widthwise distance must be providedbetween each rear wheel and a frame portion to which the upper endportion of the associated shock absorber is attached. For example, onepossible approach to increasing the widthwise distance between each rearwheel and the upper end portion of the associated shock absorber is todispose each rear wheel farther outward in the width direction of thevehicle. Unfortunately, such an approach increases the widthwise lengthof the vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,329 B2 discloses an ROV includingrear frames, shock absorbers, seat pipes, pivot shafts, upper arms,auxiliary pipes, and a final reduction gear. The upper end portions ofthe shock absorbers of this ROV are disposed inward of the rear frames.The upper end portions of the shock absorbers are connected to the seatpipes.

In a rear view of the vehicle, the pivot shafts, which support the upperarms, are disposed inward relative to the rear frames in the widthdirection of the vehicle. The auxiliary pipes, to which the pivot shaftsare attached, are each disposed at a high position so as to preventinterference between the auxiliary pipes and the upper arms and betweenthe auxiliary pipes and the final reduction gear. This disadvantageouslyreduces the space between the auxiliary pipes and the seat pipes. Thisspace is used when the shock absorbers oscillate. If this space issmall, the shock absorbers have a narrow operating range and thus cannotdeliver satisfactory performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide avehicle including shock absorbers that have a sufficient operating rangeand thus deliver desirable shock absorbing performance.

A vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present inventionincludes an engine, an upper frame, a lower frame, a connection frame, aleft rear wheel, a right rear wheel, a left upper arm, a right upperarm, an arm connector, a left lower arm, a right lower arm, a left shockabsorber, and a right shock absorber. The upper frame is disposed higherthan the engine. The lower frame is disposed below the upper frame, andsupports the engine. The connection frame is connected to the upperframe and the lower frame at positions rearward relative to the engine.The left upper arm is disposed leftward relative to the connectionframe, and supports the left rear wheel. The right upper arm is disposedrightward relative to the connection frame, and supports the right rearwheel. The arm connector is disposed rightward of the left upper arm andleftward of the right upper arm, and supports the left upper arm and theright upper arm. The left lower arm is disposed lower than the leftupper arm, and connected to the lower frame. The left lower arm supportsthe left rear wheel. The right lower arm is disposed lower than theright upper arm, and connected to the lower frame. The right lower armsupports the right rear wheel. The left shock absorber is connected tothe upper frame, and to the left upper arm or to the left lower arm. Theright shock absorber is connected to the upper frame, and to the rightupper arm or to the right lower arm. The upper frame preferably includesa first upper connection to which the connection frame is connected, anda second upper connection to which the connection frame is connected.The second upper connection is located rightward relative to the firstupper connection. The lower frame preferably includes a first lowerconnection to which the connection frame is connected, and a secondlower connection to which the connection frame is connected. The secondlower connection is located rightward relative to the first lowerconnection. A distance between the first and second upper connections islonger than a distance between the first and second lower connections.The left shock absorber includes a first upper end portion disposedbetween the first and second upper connections in a rear view of thevehicle. The first upper end portion is connected to the upper frame.The right shock absorber includes a second upper end portion disposedbetween the first and second upper connections and rightward of thefirst upper end portion in the rear view of the vehicle. The secondupper end portion is connected to the upper frame.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention describedabove, the distance between the first and second upper connections ispreferably longer than the distance between the first and second lowerconnections. Thus, the connection frame widely supports the upper frameand increases the strength of the upper frame. The arm connector isdisposed rightward of the left upper arm and leftward of the right upperarm. This prevents interference between the left upper arm and the armconnector when the left upper arm oscillates, and prevents interferencebetween the right upper arm and the arm connector when the right upperarm oscillates, resulting in an improved layout flexibility of the armconnector particularly in the up-down direction of the vehicle. Becausethe arm connector is located at a low position, a wide space is providedbetween the arm connector and the upper frame. This enables thearrangement of the first upper end portion of the left shock absorberand the second upper end portion of the right shock absorber in the widespace provided between the arm connector and the upper frame.Consequently, the right and left shock absorbers are prevented frominterfering with other members, while the right and left shock absorberseach have a sufficient stroke and operating range.

Various preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicleincluding shock absorbers that have a sufficient operating range andthus deliver desirable shock-absorbing performance.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments withreference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left side view of an ROV according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of an ROV according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an ROV according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrating main components in the rear portionof the ROV.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an ROV according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrating the main components thereof.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an ROV according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrating the main components thereof.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an ROV according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrating the main components in the rearportion of the ROV.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ROV according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention illustrating the main componentsthereof.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of an ROV according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrating the main components thereof.

FIG. 9 is a left side view of an ROV according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention illustrating the main components in the rearportion of the ROV.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a vehicle according to the presentpreferred embodiment is, for example, a recreational off-highway vehicle(ROV) 1. The ROV 1 is suitable for traveling over rough terrain. Thevehicle according to preferred embodiments of the present invention isnot limited to an ROV, but may be an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or othersuitable vehicle, for example.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “front”, “rear”, “right”, “left”,“up”, and “down” respectively refer to front, rear, right, left, up, anddown with respect to a driver sitting on a left seat 10L of the ROV 1 inthe following description. The terms “up” and “down” respectively referto the vertically upward direction and the vertically downward directionwhen the ROV 1 is stationary on a horizontal plane. Reference signs “F”,“Re”, “R”, “L”, “Up”, and “Dn” in the drawings respectively representfront, rear, right, left, up, and down.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ROV 1 preferably includes a body frame 20.The body frame 20 preferably is a pipe frame made of pipes. The bodyframe 20 preferably includes a main frame (lower frame) 22 extending inthe front-rear direction of the vehicle, a center frame 24 disposedhigher than the main frame 22, a front frame 30 disposed in front of thecenter frame 24, and a rear frame 40 disposed behind the center frame24.

The center frame 24 preferably includes a first center subframe 26 and asecond center subframe 28. The first center subframe 26 is disposedabove the second center subframe 28. The first center subframe 26 isconnected to the second center subframe 28. The first center subframe 26preferably includes a first portion 26A extending in the front-reardirection or substantially in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, asecond portion 26B extending obliquely downward and forward from thefront end of the first portion 26A, a third portion 26C extendingobliquely downward and rearward from the rear end of the first portion26A, and a fourth portion 26D extending obliquely downward and forwardfrom a location somewhere along the third portion 26C. The second centersubframe 28 is disposed higher than the main frame 22. The second centersubframe 28 is connected to the main frame 22. The second centersubframe 28 preferably includes a first portion 28A extending in thefront-rear direction or substantially in the front-rear direction of thevehicle, a second portion 28B extending obliquely upward and forwardfrom the front end of the first portion 28A, and a third portion 28Cextending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear end of the firstportion 28A. The first portion 28A is connected to the main frame 22.The second portion 28B of the second center subframe 28 is connected tothe second portion 26B of the first center subframe 26. The thirdportion 28C of the second center subframe 28 is connected to the fourthportion 26D of the first center subframe 26. The center frame 24 ispreferably symmetrical with respect to a vehicle center line C (see FIG.2, for example).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front frame 30 preferably includes a firstfront subframe 32, a second front subframe 34, and a third frontsubframe 36. The first front subframe 32 is connected to the secondportion 28B of the second center subframe 28. The third front subframe36 extends downward from a location somewhere along the first frontsubframe 32. The third front subframe 36 is connected to a locationsomewhere along the second front subframe 34. The second front subframe34 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The front end ofthe second front subframe 34 is connected to the first front subframe32. The rear end of the second front subframe 34 is connected to themain frame 22. The front frame 30 is preferably symmetrical with respectto the vehicle center line C (see FIG. 2, for example).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear frame 40 preferably includes a firstrear subframe (upper frame) 42, a second rear subframe 44, a firstconnection subframe (connection frame) 46, a second connection subframe50, a third connection subframe 52, and an arm connector 56. The rearframe 40 is preferably symmetrical with respect to the vehicle centerline C (see FIG. 2, for example).

The first rear subframe 42 extends obliquely downward and rearward fromthe third portion 26C of the first center subframe 26. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the first rear subframe 42 preferably includes a left lateralportion 42L extending obliquely rightward and rearward from the leftthird portion 26C, a right lateral portion 42R extending obliquelyleftward and rearward from the right third portion 26C, and a rearportion 42B extending in the width direction of the vehicle andconnecting the right and left lateral portions 42R and 42L to eachother.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second rear subframe 44 extends rearwardfrom a location somewhere along the third portion 28C of the secondcenter subframe 28. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second rear subframe44 extends forward from the first rear subframe 42. The second rearsubframe 44 is connected to the rear portion 42B of the first rearsubframe 42. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second rear subframe 44 isconnected to the first rear subframe 42 and to the third portion 28C ofthe second center subframe 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first connection subframe 46 extendsobliquely downward and forward from the rear end of the first rearsubframe 42. The first connection subframe 46 extends obliquely upwardand rearward from the rear end of the main frame 22. The firstconnection subframe 46 is disposed rearward relative to the secondconnection subframe 50. The first connection subframe 46 is connected tothe first rear subframe 42 and the main frame 22. The first connectionsubframe 46 is disposed rearward relative to an engine 14 (which will bedescribed below). The second connection subframe 50 extends obliquelydownward and forward from a location somewhere along the second rearsubframe 44. The second connection subframe 50 is connected to the mainframe 22. The second connection subframe 50 is disposed forward relativeto the third connection subframe 52. The third connection subframe 52extends obliquely downward and forward from a location somewhere alongthe first rear subframe 42. The third connection subframe 52 isconnected to a location somewhere along the second rear subframe 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first connection subframe 46 preferablyincludes a left pipe frame portion 46L and a right pipe frame portion46R. The left pipe frame portion 46L is connected to the first rearsubframe 42 and a left main subframe 22L (which will be describedbelow). The right pipe frame portion 46R is connected to the first rearsubframe 42 and a right main subframe 22R (which will be describedbelow). The first connection subframe 46 does not necessarily have toinclude the right and left pipe frame portions 46R and 46L separate fromeach other. For example, the first connection subframe 46 mayalternatively include a plate frame in which the right and left pipeframe portions 46R and 46L preferably are integral and unitary with eachother. In FIG. 4, the tires of a right rear wheel 9R and a left rearwheel 9L (which will be described below) are not illustrated for thesake of convenience.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the left pipe frame portion 46L preferablyincludes a first section 46LA, an intermediate section 46LM, and asecond section 46LB. The second section 46LB is located lower than thefirst section 46LA. The intermediate section 46LM is located under thefirst section 46LA and on the second section 46LB. The intermediatesection 46LM connects the first and second sections 46LA and 46LB toeach other. The first section 46LA inclines inward toward the widthwisecenter of the vehicle as it extends downward. In other words, the firstsection 46LA inclines rightward as it extends downward. The intermediatesection 46LM extends in the up-down direction. The second section 46LBinclines outward away from the widthwise center of the vehicle as itextends downward. In other words, the second section 46LB extendsleftward as it extends downward. The right pipe frame portion 46Rpreferably includes a first section 46RA, an intermediate section 46RM,and a second section 46RB. The second section 46RB is located lower thanthe first section 46RA. The intermediate section 46RM is located underthe first section 46RA and on the second section 46RB. The intermediatesection 46RM connects the first and second sections 46RA and 46RB toeach other. The first section 46RA inclines inward toward the widthwisecenter of the vehicle as it extends downward. In other words, the firstsection 46RA inclines leftward as it extends downward. The intermediatesection 46RM extends in the up-down direction. The second section 46RBinclines outward away from the widthwise center of the vehicle as itextends downward. In other words, the second section 46RB inclinesrightward as it extends downward. The second section 46LB mayalternatively extend downward from the lower end of the first section46LA and incline outward away from the widthwise center of the vehicleas the second section 46LB extends downward. In that case, theintermediate section 46LM is a connection point between the first andsecond sections 46LA and 46LB. The second section 46RB may alternativelyextend downward from the lower end of the first section 46RA and inclineoutward away from the widthwise center of the vehicle as the secondsection 46RB extends downward. In that case, the intermediate section46RM is a connection point between the first and second sections 46RAand 46RB.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first rear subframe 42 preferably furtherincludes a first upper connection 47L (see also FIG. 6) and a secondupper connection 47R (see also FIG. 6). The main frame 22 preferablyincludes a first lower connection 48L (see also FIG. 6) and a secondlower connection 48R (see also FIG. 6). The second upper connection 47Ris disposed rightward relative to the first upper connection 47L. Thesecond lower connection 48R is disposed rightward relative to the firstlower connection 48L. The first lower connection 48L is disposedrightward relative to the first upper connection 47L. The second lowerconnection 48R is disposed leftward relative to the second upperconnection 47R. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second lowerconnections 48L and 48R are located forward relative to a rear end 42BBof the first rear subframe 42. In FIG. 6, the tires of the right andleft rear wheels 9R and 9L (which will be described below) are notillustrated for the sake of convenience.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first upper connection 47L connects thefirst rear subframe 42 and the first connection subframe 46 to eachother. More specifically, the first upper connection 47L connects thefirst rear subframe 42 and the left pipe frame portion 46L to eachother. The second upper connection 47R connects the first rear subframe42 and the first connection subframe 46 to each other. Morespecifically, the second upper connection 47R connects the first rearsubframe 42 and the right pipe frame portion 46R to each other. Thefirst lower connection 48L connects the main frame 22 and the firstconnection subframe 46 to each other. More specifically, the first lowerconnection 48L connects the left main subframe 22L and the left pipeframe portion 46L to each other. The second lower connection 48Rconnects the main frame 22 and the first connection subframe 46 to eachother. More specifically, the second lower connection 48R connects theright main subframe 22R and the right pipe frame portion 46R to eachother. In the present preferred embodiment, the first and second lowerconnections 48L and 48R define connection points between the main frame22 extending in the front-rear direction, and the first connectionsubframe 46 (i.e., the right and left pipe frame portions 46R and 46L)extending in the up-down direction. Although the main frame 22 and thefirst connection subframe 46 are preferably integral and unitary witheach other in the present preferred embodiment, the main frame 22 andthe first connection subframe 46 may alternatively be separatecomponents.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a distance A between the first upperconnection 47L and the second upper connection 47R is longer than adistance B between the first lower connection 48L and the second lowerconnection 48R. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first upper connection 47Lis disposed rearward relative to the first lower connection 48L. Thesecond upper connection 47R is disposed rearward relative to the secondlower connection 48R.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first connection subframe 46 preferablyfurther includes a cross member 49. The cross member 49 is disposedbetween the left pipe frame portion 46L and the right pipe frame portion46R. The cross member 49 is connected to the left pipe frame portion 46Land the right pipe frame portion 46R. More specifically, the crossmember 49 is connected to the second section 46LB of the left pipe frameportion 46L, and to the second section 46RB of the right pipe frameportion 46R. The cross member 49 according to the present preferredembodiment is preferably plate-shaped, but may alternatively bepipe-shaped, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second rear subframe 44 is disposed higherthan the arm connector 56. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second rearsubframe 44 preferably includes a first auxiliary frame portion (upperauxiliary frame) 44L and a second auxiliary frame portion (upperauxiliary frame) 44R. The first and second auxiliary frame portions 44Land 44R are preferably pipe frames. The first and second auxiliary frameportions 44L and 44R are connected to the third connection subframe 52.Disposed between the first and second auxiliary frame portions 44L and44R is a third auxiliary frame portion 44X. The third auxiliary frameportion 44X is connected to the third connection subframe 52, and to therear portion 42B of the first rear subframe 42. In FIG. 7, the tires ofthe right and left rear wheels 9R and 9L are not illustrated for thesake of convenience.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the arm connector 56 is disposed rightward ofa left upper arm 60L (which will be described below). The arm connector56 is disposed leftward of a right upper arm 60R (which will bedescribed below). The arm connector 56 supports the right and left upperarms 60R and 60L.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the arm connector 56 preferably includes aleft auxiliary frame 56L and a right auxiliary frame 56R. The right andleft auxiliary frames 56R and 56L are preferably pipe frames. The leftauxiliary frame 56L extends obliquely leftward and forward from the leftpipe frame portion 46L (see also FIG. 4). The right auxiliary frame 56Rextends obliquely rightward and forward from the right pipe frameportion 46R (see also FIG. 4). As illustrated in FIG. 5, the leftauxiliary frame 56L extends forward from between the first and secondsections 46LA and 46LB of the left pipe frame portion 46L. In otherwords, the left auxiliary frame 56L extends forward from theintermediate section 46LM of the left pipe frame portion 46L. The rightauxiliary frame 56R extends forward from between the first and secondsections 46RA and 46RB of the right pipe frame portion 46R. In otherwords, the right auxiliary frame 56R extends forward from theintermediate section 46RM of the right pipe frame portion 46R. Aconnection 46LX (see also FIG. 7) between the left auxiliary frame 56Land the left pipe frame portion 46L is disposed rightward relative tothe first lower connection 48L, and leftward relative to the secondlower connection 48R. A connection 46RX (see also FIG. 7) between theright auxiliary frame 56R and the right pipe frame portion 46R isdisposed rightward relative to the first lower connection 48L, andleftward relative to the second lower connection 48R. Although the armconnector 56 preferably includes two frames, i.e., the right and leftauxiliary frames 56R and 56L, in the present preferred embodiment, thearm connector 56 may alternatively be a single, unitary frame, forexample. In one example, the arm connector 56 may be a bracket extendingupward from the main frame 22. In another example, the arm connector 56may be a bracket provided on the second connection subframe 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the main frame 22 preferably includes the leftmain subframe 22L and the right main subframe 22R. The right and leftmain subframes 22R and 22L are preferably pipe frames. The left mainsubframe 22L preferably includes a first portion 22LA, a second portion22LB, and a third portion 22LC. The first portion 22LA extends in thefront-rear direction of the vehicle. The second portion 22LB extendsrearward from the first portion 22LA and inward toward the widthwisecenter of the vehicle so as to connect the first portion 22LA and thethird portion 22LC to each other. In other words, the second portion22LB extends rearward and rightward from the first portion 22LA. Thethird portion 22LC extends rearward from the second portion 22LB. Therear end of the third portion 22LC is connected to the left pipe frameportion 46L. The right main subframe 22R preferably includes a firstportion 22RA, a second portion 22RB, and a third portion 22RC. The firstportion 22RA extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Thesecond portion 22RB extends rearward from the first portion 22RA andinward toward the widthwise center of the vehicle so as to connect thefirst portion 22RA and the third portion 22RC to each other. In otherwords, the second portion 22RB extends rearward and leftward from thefirst portion 22RA. The third portion 22RC extends rearward from thesecond portion 22RB. The rear end of the third portion 22RC is connectedto the right pipe frame portion 46R.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ROV 1 preferably further includes asteering wheel 2. Attached to the steering wheel 2 is a steering shaft3. The ROV 1 preferably includes a left front wheel 7L, a right frontwheel (not illustrated), the left rear wheel 9L, and the right rearwheel 9R (see FIG. 3). The left front wheel 7L and the right front wheelare connected to an axle (not illustrated) provided on the front frame30. The left front wheel 7L and the right front wheel are controlledusing the steering wheel 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the left rearwheel 9L is connected to a left axle 12L provided on the rear frame 40.The right rear wheel 9R is connected to a right axle 12R provided on therear frame 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the left seat 10L and right seat 10R aredisposed rearward relative to the steering wheel 2 (see FIG. 1). Thedriver sits on the left seat 10L. An occupant sits on the right seat10R. The left seat 10L is supported by the main frame 22. Morespecifically, the left seat 10L is supported by the left main subframe22L. The right seat 10R is supported by the main frame 22. Morespecifically, the right seat 10R is supported by the right main subframe22R. The left seat 10L is disposed behind the steering wheel 2. Theright seat 10R is disposed rightward of the left seat 10L.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ROV 1 preferably includes the engine 14.The engine 14 is supported by the body frame 20. More specifically, theengine 14 is supported by the main frame 22. The engine 14 is disposedlower than the first rear subframe 42. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theengine 14 is disposed rearward relative to the right and left seats 10Rand 10L. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the engine 14 is disposed forwardrelative to the third portion 22LC of the left main subframe 22L, andthe third portion 22RC of the right main subframe 22R.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ROV 1 preferably further includes an aircleaner 15. The air cleaner 15 is disposed on the engine 14. The aircleaner 15 is connected to the engine 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theair cleaner 15 is disposed rearward relative to the right and left seats10R and 10L.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ROV 1 preferably includes a finalreduction gear 18, and the right and left axles 12R and 12L connected tothe final reduction gear 18. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the finalreduction gear 18 is disposed behind the engine 14. The final reductiongear 18 is disposed between the right and left upper arms 60R and 60L.The right and left axles 12R and 12L extend in the width direction ofthe vehicle or substantially in the width direction of the vehicle. Theleft axle 12L rotates upon receiving a driving force from the engine 14via the final reduction gear 18. The right axle 12R rotates uponreceiving a driving force from the engine 14 via the final reductiongear 18. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the left axle 12L is disposed belowthe left upper arm 60L and above a left lower arm 70L in a rear view ofthe vehicle. The right axle 12R is disposed below the right upper arm60R and above a right lower arm 70R in the rear view of the vehicle.

As illustrated FIG. 3, the ROV 1 preferably includes the left upper arm60L and the right upper arm 60R. The right and left upper arms 60R and60L are disposed rearward relative to the engine 14. The left upper arm60L supports the left rear wheel 9L. The right upper arm 60R supportsthe right rear wheel 9R. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the left upper arm60L is disposed leftward relative to the first connection subframe 46.More specifically, the left upper arm 60L is disposed leftward relativeto the left pipe frame portion 46L. The right upper arm 60R is disposedrightward relative to the first connection subframe 46. Morespecifically, the right upper arm 60R is disposed rightward relative tothe right pipe frame portion 46R. In FIG. 8, the right and left pipeframe portions 46R and 46L are only partially illustrated, and the firstrear subframe 42 is not illustrated for the sake of convenience.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the left upper arm 60L preferably includes afirst left upper frame 61L, a second left upper frame 62L, and a thirdleft upper frame 63L. The first left upper frame 61L extends in thefront-rear direction of the vehicle or substantially in the front-reardirection of the vehicle. The second left upper frame 62L extendsleftward from the front portion of the first left upper frame 61L. Thethird left upper frame 63L extends leftward from the rear portion of thefirst left upper frame 61L, and then extends forward. The left end ofthe second left upper frame 62L is connected to the third left upperframe 63L. The second left upper frame 62L and the third left upperframe 63L are preferably U-shaped or substantially U-shaped.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the right upper arm 60R preferably includes afirst right upper frame 61R, a second right upper frame 62R, and a thirdright upper frame 63R. The first right upper frame 61R extends in thefront-rear direction of the vehicle or substantially in the front-reardirection of the vehicle. The second right upper frame 62R extendsrightward from the front portion of the first right upper frame 61R. Thethird right upper frame 63R extends rightward from the rear portion ofthe first right upper frame 61R, and then extends forward. The right endof the second right upper frame 62R is connected to the third rightupper frame 63R. The second right upper frame 62R and the third rightupper frame 63R are preferably U-shaped or substantially U-shaped.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ROV 1 preferably further includes a firstleft front connector 65L (see also FIG. 7), a first left rear connector66L (see also FIG. 7), a first right front connector 65R (see also FIG.7), and a first right rear connector 66R (see also FIG. 7). The firstleft front connector 65L and the first left rear connector 66L arebrackets provided on the left auxiliary frame 56L. The first right frontconnector 65R and the first right rear connector 66R are bracketsprovided on the right auxiliary frame 56R. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thefirst left rear connector 66L is disposed rearward relative to the firstleft front connector 65L. The first right rear connector 66R is disposedrearward relative to the first right front connector 65R. The first leftfront connector 65L connects the left auxiliary frame 56L and the firstleft upper frame 61L of the left upper arm 60L to each other. The firstleft rear connector 66L connects the left auxiliary frame 56L and thefirst left upper frame 61L of the left upper arm 60L to each other. Theleft upper arm 60L is rotatable with respect to the left auxiliary frame56L. The first right front connector 65R connects the right auxiliaryframe 56R and the first right upper frame 61R of the right upper arm 60Rto each other. The first right rear connector 66R (see also FIG. 4)connects the right auxiliary frame 56R and the first right upper frame61R of the right upper arm 60R to each other. The right upper arm 60R isrotatable with respect to the right auxiliary frame 56R. As illustratedin FIG. 4, the first lower connection 48L is located leftward relativeto the first left rear connector 66L in the rear view of the vehicle.The second lower connection 48R is located rightward relative to thefirst right rear connector 66R in the rear view of the vehicle. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the first left front connector 65L is locatedrearward relative to the engine 14. The first right front connector 65Ris located rearward relative to the engine 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a first left straight line L1 passes throughthe first left front connector 65L and the first left rear connector66L. The first left straight line L1 inclines inward toward thewidthwise center of the vehicle as it extends rearward in a bottom viewof the vehicle. In other words, the first left straight line L1 inclinesrightward as it extends rearward in the bottom view of the vehicle. Afirst right straight line R1 passes through the first right frontconnector 65R and the first right rear connector 66R. The first rightstraight line R1 inclines inward toward the widthwise center of thevehicle as it extends rearward in the bottom view of the vehicle. Inother words, the first right straight line R1 inclines leftward as itextends rearward in the bottom view of the vehicle. The first leftstraight line L1 and the first right straight line R1 preferablyintersect at a point rearward relative to the first rear subframe 42 inthe bottom view of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the ROV 1 preferably further includes a thirdleft front connector 67L, a third left rear connector 68L, a third rightfront connector 67R, and a third right rear connector 68R. The thirdleft rear connector 68L is disposed rearward relative to the third leftfront connector 67L. The third right rear connector 68R is disposedrearward relative to the third right front connector 67R. The third leftfront connector 67L connects the left rear wheel 9L and the third leftupper frame 63L of the left upper arm 60L to each other. The third leftrear connector 68L connects the left rear wheel 9L and the third leftupper frame 63L of the left upper arm 60L to each other. The third rightfront connector 67R connects the right rear wheel 9R and the third rightupper frame 63R of the right upper arm 60R to each other. The thirdright rear connector 68R connects the right rear wheel 9R and the thirdright upper frame 63R of the right upper arm 60R to each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a third left straight line L3 passes throughthe third left front connector 67L and the third left rear connector68L. The third left straight line L3 inclines inward toward thewidthwise center of the vehicle as it extends rearward in the bottomview of the vehicle. In other words, the third left straight line L3inclines rightward as it extends rearward in the bottom view of thevehicle. The third left straight line L3 is parallel or substantiallyparallel to the first left straight line L1. A third right straight lineR3 passes through the third right front connector 67R and the thirdright rear connector 68R. The third right straight line R3 inclinesinward toward the widthwise center of the vehicle as it extends rearwardin the bottom view of the vehicle. In other words, the third rightstraight line R3 inclines leftward as it extends rearward in the bottomview of the vehicle. The third right straight line R3 is parallel orsubstantially parallel to the first right straight line R1.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ROV 1 preferably includes the left lowerarm 70L and the right lower arm 70R. The left lower arm 70L is disposedlower than the left upper arm 60L. The right lower arm 70R is disposedlower than the right upper arm 60R. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the leftlower arm 70L supports the left rear wheel 9L. The right lower arm 70Rsupports the right rear wheel 9R. The left lower arm 70L is disposedleftward relative to the first connection subframe 46. Morespecifically, the left lower arm 70L is disposed leftward relative tothe left pipe frame portion 46L of the first connection subframe 46. Theright lower arm 70R is disposed rightward relative to the firstconnection subframe 46. More specifically, the right lower arm 70R isdisposed rightward relative to the right pipe frame portion 46R of thefirst connection subframe 46.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the left lower arm 70L preferably includes afirst left lower frame 71L, a second left lower frame 72L, and a thirdleft lower frame 73L. The first left lower frame 71L extends in thefront-rear direction or substantially in the front-rear direction of thevehicle. The second left lower frame 72L extends obliquely rightward andforward from the front portion of the first left lower frame 71L. Thethird left lower frame 73L extends obliquely rightward and forward fromthe rear portion of the first left lower frame 71L. The second leftlower frame 72L is disposed forward relative to the third left lowerframe 73L. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first left lower frame 71L isdisposed lower than the main frame 22 when the left rear wheel 9L doesnot bounce up and down.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the right lower arm 70R preferably includes afirst right lower frame 71R, a second right lower frame 72R, and a thirdright lower frame 73R. The first right lower frame 71R extends in thefront-rear direction of the vehicle or substantially in the front-reardirection of the vehicle. The second right lower frame 72R extendsobliquely leftward and forward from the front portion of the first rightlower frame 71R. The third right lower frame 73R extends obliquelyleftward and forward from the rear portion of the first right lowerframe 71R. The second right lower frame 72R is disposed forward relativeto the third right lower frame 73R. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the firstright lower frame 71R is disposed lower than the main frame 22 when theright rear wheel 9R does not bounce up and down.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the ROV 1 preferably further includes a secondleft front connector 75L, a second left rear connector 76L, a secondright front connector 75R, and a second right rear connector 76R. Thesecond left front connector 75L and the second left rear connector 76Lare brackets provided on the left main subframe 22L. The second rightfront connector 75R and the second right rear connector 76R are bracketsprovided on the right main subframe 22R. The second left rear connector76L is disposed rearward relative to the second left front connector75L. The second right rear connector 76R is disposed rearward relativeto the second right front connector 75R. The second left front connector75L connects the left main subframe 22L and the second left lower frame72L of the left lower arm 70L to each other. More specifically, thesecond left front connector 75L connects the first portion 22LA of theleft main subframe 22L and the second left lower frame 72L of the leftlower arm 70L to each other. The second left rear connector 76L connectsthe left main subframe 22L and the third left lower frame 73L of theleft lower arm 70L to each other. More specifically, the second leftrear connector 76L connects the third portion 22LC of the left mainsubframe 22L and the third left lower frame 73L of the left lower arm70L to each other. The left lower arm 70L is rotatable with respect tothe left main subframe 22L. The second right front connector 75Rconnects the right main subframe 22R and the second right lower frame72R of the right lower arm 70R to each other. More specifically, thesecond right front connector 75R connects the first portion 22RA of theright main subframe 22R and the second right lower frame 72R of theright lower arm 70R to each other. The second right rear connector 76Rconnects the right main subframe 22R and the third right lower frame 73Rof the right lower arm 70R to each other. More specifically, the secondright rear connector 76R connects the third portion 22RC of the rightmain subframe 22R and the third right lower frame 73R of the right lowerarm 70R to each other. The right lower arm 70R is rotatable with respectto the right main subframe 22R.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second left front connector 75L isdisposed forward relative to the left rear wheel 9L. The second rightfront connector 75R is disposed forward relative to the right rear wheel9R. The second left front connector 75L and the second right frontconnector 75R are disposed forward relative to the engine 14. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the second left rear connector 76L is locatedforward relative to the first left rear connector 66L. The second rightrear connector 76R is located forward relative to the first right rearconnector 66R. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the rear view of thevehicle, the second left rear connector 76L is located outward of thefirst left rear connector 66L in the width direction of the vehicle. Inother words, the second left rear connector 76L is located leftwardrelative to the first left rear connector 66L in the rear view of thevehicle. In the rear view of the vehicle, the second right rearconnector 76R is located outward of the first right rear connector 66Rin the width direction of the vehicle. In other words, the second rightrear connector 76R is located rightward relative to the first right rearconnector 66R in the rear view of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a second left straight line L2 passes throughthe second left front connector 75L and the second left rear connector76L. The second left straight line L2 inclines inward toward thewidthwise center of the vehicle as it extends rearward in the bottomview of the vehicle. In other words, the second left straight line L2inclines rightward as it extends rearward in the bottom view of thevehicle. The second left straight line L2 overlaps with the secondportion 22LB of the left main subframe 22L in the bottom view of thevehicle. A second right straight line R2 passes through the second rightfront connector 75R and the second right rear connector 76R. The secondright straight line R2 inclines inward toward the widthwise center ofthe vehicle as it extends rearward in the bottom view of the vehicle. Inother words, the second right straight line R2 inclines leftward as itextends rearward in the bottom view of the vehicle. The second rightstraight line R2 overlaps with the second portion 22RB of the right mainsubframe 22R in the bottom view of the vehicle. The second left straightline L2 and the second right straight line R2 preferably intersect at apoint rearward relative to the first rear subframe 42 in the bottom viewof the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the ROV 1 preferably further includes a fourthleft front connector 77L, a fourth left rear connector 78L, a fourthright front connector 77R, and a fourth right rear connector 78R. Thefourth left rear connector 78L is disposed rearward relative to thefourth left front connector 77L. The fourth right rear connector 78R isdisposed rearward relative to the fourth right front connector 77R. Thefourth left front connector 77L connects the left rear wheel 9L and thefirst left lower frame 71L of the left lower arm 70L to each other. Thefourth left rear connector 78L connects the left rear wheel 9L and thefirst left lower frame 71L of the left lower arm 70L to each other. Thefourth right front connector 77R connects the right rear wheel 9R andthe first right lower frame 71R of the right lower arm 70R to eachother. The fourth right rear connector 78R connects the right rear wheel9R and the first right lower frame 71R of the right lower arm 70R toeach other.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a fourth left straight line L4 passes throughthe fourth left front connector 77L and the fourth left rear connector78L. The fourth left straight line L4 inclines inward toward thewidthwise center of the vehicle as it extends rearward in the bottomview of the vehicle. In other words, the fourth left straight line L4inclines rightward as it extends rearward in the bottom view of thevehicle. The fourth left straight line L4 is parallel or substantiallyparallel to the second left straight line L2. The fourth left straightline L4 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first left straightline L1 and the third left straight line L3. A fourth right straightline R4 passes through the fourth right front connector 77R and thefourth right rear connector 78R. The fourth right straight line R4inclines inward toward the widthwise center of the vehicle as it extendsrearward in the bottom view of the vehicle. In other words, the fourthright straight line R4 inclines leftward as it extends rearward in thebottom view of the vehicle. The fourth right straight line R4 isparallel or substantially parallel to the second right straight line R2.The fourth right straight line R4 is parallel or substantially parallelto the first right straight line R1 and the third right straight lineR3. A distance ML between the second left straight line L2 and thefourth left straight line L4 is defined as an arm length of the leftlower arm 70L. A distance MR between the second right straight line R2and the fourth right straight line R4 is defined as an arm length of theright lower arm 70R.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a central position E1 between points mountingthe left upper arm 60L is located rearward relative to a centralposition E2 between points mounting the left lower arm 70L. Morespecifically, the central position E1 between the first left frontconnector 65L and the first left rear connector 66L in the front-reardirection of the vehicle is located rearward relative to the centralposition E2 between the second left front connector 75L and the secondleft rear connector 76L in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Acentral position F1 between points mounting the right upper arm 60R islocated rearward relative to a central position F2 between pointsmounting the right lower arm 70R. More specifically, the centralposition F1 between the first right front connector 65R and the firstright rear connector 66R in the front-rear direction of the vehicle islocated rearward relative to the central position F2 between the secondright front connector 75R and the second right rear connector 76R in thefront-rear direction of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a distance G1 between the points mounting theleft lower arm 70L is longer than a distance G2 between the pointsmounting the left upper arm 60L. More specifically, the distance G1between the second left front connector 75L and the second left rearconnector 76L in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is longer thanthe distance G2 between the first left front connector 65L and the firstleft rear connector 66L in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Adistance H1 between the points mounting the right lower arm 70R islonger than a distance H2 between the points mounting the right upperarm 60R. More specifically, the distance H1 between the second rightfront connector 75R and the second right rear connector 76R in thefront-rear direction of the vehicle is longer than the distance H2between the first right front connector 65R and the first right rearconnector 66R in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the ROV 1 preferably further includes a leftshock absorber 80L and a right shock absorber 80R. The left shockabsorber 80L is connected to the third connection subframe 52 and to thethird left lower frame 73L of the left lower arm 70L. The right shockabsorber 80R is connected to the third connection subframe 52 and to thethird right lower frame 73R of the right lower arm 70R. The left shockabsorber 80L is connected to the third left lower frame 73L of the leftlower arm 70L at a location rearward relative to the left axle 12L. Theright shock absorber 80R is connected to the third right lower frame 73Rof the right lower arm 70R at a location rearward relative to the rightaxle 12R. The left shock absorber 80L may alternatively be connected tothe third connection subframe 52 and the left upper arm 60L. The rightshock absorber 80R may alternatively be connected to the thirdconnection subframe 52 and the right upper arm 60R. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the left shock absorber 80L is disposed inward of the left upperarm 60L. The right shock absorber 80R is disposed inward of the rightupper arm 60R. The left shock absorber 80L is disposed rearward relativeto the second left upper frame 62L in the bottom view of the vehicle.The right shock absorber 80R is disposed rearward relative to the secondright upper frame 62R in the bottom view of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the left shock absorber 80L preferablyincludes a first upper end portion 80LA. The right shock absorber 80Rpreferably includes a second upper end portion 80RA. The first upper endportion 80LA is connected to the third connection subframe 52. Thesecond upper end portion 80RA is connected to the third connectionsubframe 52. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first upper end portion 80LAis disposed between the first upper connection 47L and the second upperconnection 47R in the rear view of the vehicle. The second upper endportion 80RA is disposed between the first upper connection 47L and thesecond upper connection 47R in the rear view of the vehicle. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the first upper end portion 80LA of the leftshock absorber 80L and the second upper end portion 80RA of the rightshock absorber 80R are disposed inward relative to the first auxiliaryframe portion 44L and the second auxiliary frame portion 44R in thewidth direction of the vehicle. The first upper end portion 80LA isdisposed rightward relative to the first auxiliary frame portion 44L.The second upper end portion 80RA is disposed leftward relative to thesecond auxiliary frame portion 44R.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first upper end portion 80LA is disposedrightward relative to the first left front connector 65L in the rearview of the vehicle. The first upper end portion 80LA may alternativelybe disposed rightward relative to the first left rear connector 66L inthe rear view of the vehicle. The second upper end portion 80RA isdisposed leftward relative to the first right front connector 65R in therear view of the vehicle. The second upper end portion 80RA mayalternatively be disposed leftward relative to the first right rearconnector 66R in the rear view of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ROV 1 preferably further includes anexhaust system 16 through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine14 flows, and a muffler 17. The exhaust system 16 is connected to theengine 14. The exhaust system 16 preferably includes a first exhaustpipe 14A, a second exhaust pipe 14B, and a third exhaust pipe 14C. Theexhaust pipes 14A, 14B, and 14C are each in communication with theengine 14. The exhaust pipes 14A to 14C are combined at their rear endportions into a pipe 14Z. The muffler 17 is connected to the rear endportion of the pipe 14Z.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the muffler 17 is disposed behind the engine14. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the muffler 17 is disposed on the vehiclecenter line C. As used herein, the term “vehicle center line C” refersto a line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle to passthrough the widthwise center of the vehicle, including the midpointbetween the left front wheel 7L (see FIG. 1) and the right front wheel(not illustrated) and the midpoint between the left rear wheel 9L andthe right rear wheel 9R, in a plan view of the vehicle. The muffler 17overlaps with the first upper end portion 80LA of the left shockabsorber 80L and the second upper end portion 80RA of the right shockabsorber 80R in the plan view of the vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 4,the muffler 17 is disposed between the left shock absorber 80L and theright shock absorber 80R. The muffler 17 is disposed rightward relativeto the left shock absorber 80L. The muffler 17 is disposed leftwardrelative to the right shock absorber 80R. The muffler 17 is disposedbetween the left pipe frame portion 46L and the right pipe frame portion46R in the rear view of the vehicle. The muffler 17 is disposedrightward relative to the left pipe frame portion 46L in the rear viewof the vehicle. The muffler 17 is disposed leftward relative to theright pipe frame portion 46R in the rear view of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance A between the first and secondupper connections 47L and 47R of the ROV 1 is longer than the distance Bbetween the first and second lower connections 48L and 48R as previouslydescribed. Thus, the first connection subframe 46 supports the firstrear subframe 42 over a wide distance, thus increasing the strength ofthe first rear subframe 42. The arm connector 56 is disposed rightwardof the left upper arm 60L, and leftward of the right upper arm 60R. Thisprevents interference between the left upper arm 60L and the armconnector 56 when the left upper arm 60L oscillates, and preventsinterference between the right upper arm 60R and the arm connector 56when the right upper arm 60R oscillates, resulting in an improvement inlayout flexibility of the arm connector 56 particularly in the up-downdirection of the vehicle. Because the arm connector 56 is located at alow position, a wide space is provided between the arm connector 56 andthe first rear subframe 42. This enables the arrangement of the firstupper end portion 80LA of the left shock absorber 80L and the secondupper end portion 80RA of the right shock absorber 80R in the wide spaceprovided between the arm connector 56 and the first rear subframe 42.Consequently, the right and left shock absorbers 80R and 80L areprevented from interfering with other members, while the right and leftshock absorbers 80R and 80L each have a sufficient stroke and operatingrange.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first lower connection 48L of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment is preferably locatedleftward relative to the first left rear connector 66L in the rear viewof the vehicle, and the second lower connection 48R of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment is preferably locatedrightward relative to the first right rear connector 66R in the rearview of the vehicle. Thus, the first connection subframe 46 supports themain frame 22 over a wide distance, thus increasing the strength of themain frame 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first lower connection 48L of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment is preferably disposedrightward relative to the first upper connection 47L, and the secondlower connection 48R of the ROV 1 according to the present preferredembodiment is preferably disposed leftward relative to the second upperconnection 47R. This enables the first connection subframe 46 to supportthe first rear subframe 42 and the main frame 22 in a balanced manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the arm connector 56 of the ROV 1 according tothe present preferred embodiment preferably includes the right and leftauxiliary frames 56R and 56L extending forward from the first connectionsubframe 46. This improves flexibility of the mounting positions of theright and left upper arms 60R and 60L, and increases the strength of thefirst connection subframe 46.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the left auxiliary frame 56L of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment preferably extends forwardfrom between the first and second sections 46LA and 46LB of the leftpipe frame portion 46L, and the right auxiliary frame 56R of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment preferably extends forwardfrom between the first and second sections 46RA and 46RB of the rightpipe frame portion 46R. Thus, the right and left auxiliary frames 56Rand 56L each extend forward from a portion of the first connectionsubframe 46 where the widthwise distance between the right and left pipeframe portions 46R and 46L is small; in addition, the right and leftauxiliary frames 56R and 56L are disposed rightward of the left upperarm 60L, and leftward of the right upper arm 60R. This arrangementprevents interference between the left upper arm 60L and the leftauxiliary frame 56L when the left upper arm 60L oscillates, and preventsinterference between the right upper arm 60R and the right auxiliaryframe 56R when the right upper arm 60R oscillates, resulting in animprovement in the layout flexibility of the right and left auxiliaryframes 56R and 56L in the up-down direction of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ROV 1 according to the present preferredembodiment preferably includes the cross member 49 connected to theright and left pipe frame portions 46R and 46L. This increases thestrength of the right and left pipe frame portions 46R and 46L.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the left pipe frame portion 46L and the leftmain subframe 22L of the ROV 1 according to the present preferredembodiment are preferably integral and unitary with each other, and theright pipe frame portion 46R and the right main subframe 22R of the ROV1 according to the present preferred embodiment are preferably integraland unitary with each other. This reduces the number of components,resulting in reductions in weight and cost.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first and second upper end portions 80LAand 80RA of the left and right shock absorbers 80L and 80R of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment are preferably disposedrightward of the first auxiliary frame portion 44L, and leftward of thesecond auxiliary frame portion 44R. This increases the strength of thesecond rear subframe 44 while enabling each of the right and left shockabsorbers 80R and 80L to have a sufficient stroke and operating range.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first upper end portion 80LA of the leftshock absorber 80L of the ROV 1 according to the present preferredembodiment is preferably disposed rightward relative to the first leftfront connector 65L in the rear view of the vehicle, and the secondupper end portion 80RA of the right shock absorber 80R of the ROV 1according to the present preferred embodiment is preferably disposedleftward relative to the first right front connector 65R in the rearview of the vehicle. This enables each of the right and left shockabsorbers 80R and 80L to have a sufficient stroke and operating range,while preventing interference between the left shock absorber 80L andthe arm connector 56 and between the right shock absorber 80R and thearm connector 56.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the muffler 17 of the ROV 1 according to thepresent preferred embodiment is preferably disposed between the rightand left shock absorbers 80R and 80L. Because a wide space is providedbetween the arm connector 56 and the first rear subframe 42, the firstupper end portion 80LA of the left shock absorber 80L and the secondupper end portion 80RA of the right shock absorber 80R are disposed inthis space, and the muffler 17 is compactly disposed between the rightand left shock absorbers 80R and 80L.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the muffler 17 of the ROV 1 according to thepresent preferred embodiment is preferably disposed on the vehiclecenter line C. This allows the muffler 17 to be compactly disposed whileenabling each of the right and left shock absorbers 80R and 80L to havea sufficient operating range.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the muffler 17 of the ROV 1 according to thepresent preferred embodiment preferably overlaps with the first upperend portion 80LA of the left shock absorber 80L and the second upper endportion 80RA of the right shock absorber 80R in the plan view of thevehicle. This makes the stroke of each of the right and left shockabsorbers 80R and 80L longer than when the muffler 17 does not overlapwith the first upper end portion 80LA or the second upper end portion80RA in the plan view of the vehicle.

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the useof such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimedinvention. While the present invention may be embodied in many differentforms, a number of illustrative preferred embodiments are describedherein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to beconsidered as providing examples of the principles of the presentinvention and that such examples are not intended to limit the presentinvention to the preferred embodiments described herein and/orillustrated herein. Hence, the present invention is not limited to thepreferred embodiments described herein. The present invention includesany and all preferred embodiments including equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations, adaptations and/or alterationsas would be appreciated by those skilled in the art on the basis of thepresent disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be interpretedbroadly based on the language included in the claims and not limited toexamples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention,therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: an engine; an upper framedisposed higher than the engine; a lower frame disposed below the upperframe, the lower frame supporting the engine; a connection frameconnected to the upper frame and the lower frame at positions rearwardof the engine; a left rear wheel; a right rear wheel; a left upper armdisposed leftward of the connection frame, the left upper arm supportingthe left rear wheel; a right upper arm disposed rightward of theconnection frame, the right upper arm supporting the right rear wheel;an arm connector disposed rightward of the left upper arm and leftwardof the right upper arm, the arm connector supporting the left upper armand the right upper arm; a left lower arm disposed lower than the leftupper arm and connected to the lower frame, the left lower armsupporting the left rear wheel; a right lower arm disposed lower thanthe right upper arm and connected to the lower frame, the right lowerarm supporting the right rear wheel; a left shock absorber connected tothe upper frame and to the left upper arm or to the left lower arm; anda right shock absorber connected to the upper frame and to the rightupper arm or to the right lower arm; wherein the upper frame includes: afirst upper connection to which the connection frame is connected; and asecond upper connection to which the connection frame is connected, thesecond upper connection being located rightward of the first upperconnection; the lower frame includes: a first lower connection to whichthe connection frame is connected; and a second lower connection towhich the connection frame is connected, the second lower connectionbeing located rightward of the first lower connection; a distancebetween the first upper connection and the second upper connection islonger than a distance between the first lower connection and the secondlower connection; the left shock absorber includes a first upper endportion disposed between the first and second upper connections in arear view of the vehicle, the first upper end portion being connected tothe upper frame; the right shock absorber includes a second upper endportion disposed between the first and second upper connections andrightward of the first upper end portion in the rear view of thevehicle, the second upper end portion being connected to the upperframe; and the connection frame includes: a first section that inclinesinward toward a widthwise center of the vehicle as the first sectionextends downward; and a second section that inclines outward away fromthe widthwise center of the vehicle as the second section extendsdownward, the second section being located lower than the first section.2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a first leftfront connector connecting the left upper arm and the arm connector toeach other; a first left rear connector disposed rearward of the firstleft front connector, the first left rear connector connecting the leftupper arm and the arm connector to each other; a first right frontconnector connecting the right upper arm and the arm connector to eachother; a first right rear connector disposed rearward of the first rightfront connector, the first right rear connector connecting the rightupper arm and the arm connector to each other; a second left frontconnector connecting the left lower arm and the lower frame to eachother; a second left rear connector disposed rearward of the second leftfront connector, the second left rear connector connecting the leftlower arm and the lower frame to each other; a second right frontconnector connecting the right lower arm and the lower frame to eachother; and a second right rear connector disposed rearward of the secondright front connector, the second right rear connector connecting theright lower arm and the lower frame to each other; wherein the secondleft rear connector is located leftward of the first left rear connectorin the rear view of the vehicle; and the second right rear connector islocated rightward of the first right rear connector in the rear view ofthe vehicle.
 3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the firstlower connection is disposed rightward of the first upper connection;and the second lower connection is disposed leftward of the second upperconnection.
 4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the armconnector includes at least one auxiliary frame extending forward fromthe connection frame.
 5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein theconnection frame includes: a left pipe frame portion connected to theupper frame through the first upper connection, and connected to thelower frame through the first lower connection; and a right pipe frameportion connected to the upper frame through the second upperconnection, and connected to the lower frame through the second lowerconnection.
 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the connectionframe further includes a cross member disposed between the left pipeframe portion and the right pipe frame portion, and connected to theleft pipe frame portion and to the right pipe frame portion.
 7. Thevehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connection frame and the lowerframe are integral and unitary with each other.
 8. The vehicle accordingto claim 1, wherein a portion of the left upper arm and a portion of theright upper arm are each U-shaped or substantially U-shaped; the leftshock absorber is disposed inward of the left upper arm and connected tothe left lower arm; and the right shock absorber is disposed inward ofthe right upper arm and connected to the right lower arm.
 9. The vehicleaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a left axle extending in awidth direction of the vehicle and connected to the left rear wheel, theleft axle rotating upon receiving a driving force from the engine; and aright axle extending in the width direction of the vehicle and connectedto the right rear wheel, the right axle rotating upon receiving adriving force from the engine; wherein the left shock absorber isconnected to the left lower arm at a position rearward of the left axle;and the right shock absorber is connected to the right lower arm at aposition rearward of the right axle.
 10. The vehicle according to claim1, further comprising: at least one exhaust pipe connected to theengine; and a muffler disposed behind the engine and connected to theexhaust pipe; wherein the muffler is disposed between the left shockabsorber and the right shock absorber.
 11. The vehicle according toclaim 10, wherein the muffler is disposed on a vehicle center lineextending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.
 12. The vehicleaccording to claim 10, wherein the muffler overlaps with the first upperend portion of the left shock absorber and the second upper end portionof the right shock absorber in a plan view of the vehicle.
 13. Thevehicle according to claim 10, wherein the connection frame includes: aleft pipe frame portion connected to the upper frame through the firstupper connection, and connected to the lower frame through the firstlower connection; and a right pipe frame portion connected to the upperframe through the second upper connection, and connected to the lowerframe through the second lower connection; and the muffler is disposedbetween the left pipe frame portion and the right pipe frame portion inthe rear view of the vehicle.
 14. The vehicle according to claim 1,further comprising: a first seat on which a driver sits, the first seatbeing supported by the lower frame; and a second seat on which anoccupant sits, the second seat being disposed rightward of the firstseat and supported by the lower frame; wherein the engine is disposedrearward of the first seat and the second seat; and the left upper armand the right upper arm are disposed rearward of the engine.
 15. Thevehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a final reduction geardisposed behind the engine; wherein the final reduction gear is disposedbetween the left upper arm and the right upper arm.
 16. A vehiclecomprising: an engine; an upper frame disposed higher than the engine; alower frame disposed below the upper frame, the lower frame supportingthe engine; a connection frame connected to the upper frame and thelower frame at positions rearward of the engine; a left rear wheel; aright rear wheel; a left upper arm disposed leftward of the connectionframe, the left upper arm supporting the left rear wheel; a right upperarm disposed rightward of the connection frame, the right upper armsupporting the right rear wheel; an arm connector disposed rightward ofthe left upper arm and leftward of the right upper arm, the armconnector supporting the left upper arm and the right upper arm; a leftlower arm disposed lower than the left upper arm and connected to thelower frame, the left lower arm supporting the left rear wheel; a rightlower arm disposed lower than the right upper arm and connected to thelower frame, the right lower arm supporting the right rear wheel; a leftshock absorber connected to the upper frame and to the left upper arm orto the left lower arm; a right shock absorber connected to the upperframe and to the right upper arm or to the right lower arm; a first leftfront connector connecting the left upper arm and the arm connector toeach other; a first left rear connector disposed rearward of the firstleft front connector, the first left rear connector connecting the leftupper arm and the arm connector to each other; a first right frontconnector connecting the right upper arm and the arm connector to eachother; and a first right rear connector disposed rearward of the firstright front connector, the first right rear connector connecting theright upper arm and the arm connector to each other; wherein the upperframe includes: a first upper connection to which the connection frameis connected; and a second upper connection to which the connectionframe is connected, the second upper connection being located rightwardof the first upper connection; the lower frame includes: a first lowerconnection to which the connection frame is connected; and a secondlower connection to which the connection frame is connected, the secondlower connection being located rightward of the first lower connection;a distance between the first upper connection and the second upperconnection is longer than a distance between the first lower connectionand the second lower connection; the left shock absorber includes afirst upper end portion disposed between the first and second upperconnections in a rear view of the vehicle, the first upper end portionbeing connected to the upper frame; the right shock absorber includes asecond upper end portion disposed between the first and second upperconnections and rightward of the first upper end portion in the rearview of the vehicle, the second upper end portion being connected to theupper frame; the first lower connection is located leftward of the firstleft rear connector in the rear view of the vehicle; and the secondlower connection is located rightward of the first right rear connectorin the rear view of the vehicle.
 17. A vehicle comprising: an engine; anupper frame disposed higher than the engine; a lower frame disposedbelow the upper frame, the lower frame supporting the engine; aconnection frame connected to the upper frame and the lower frame atpositions rearward of the engine; a left rear wheel; a right rear wheel;a left upper arm disposed leftward of the connection frame, the leftupper arm supporting the left rear wheel; a right upper arm disposedrightward of the connection frame, the right upper arm supporting theright rear wheel; an arm connector disposed rightward of the left upperarm and leftward of the right upper arm, the arm connector supportingthe left upper arm and the right upper arm; a left lower arm disposedlower than the left upper arm and connected to the lower frame, the leftlower arm supporting the left rear wheel; a right lower arm disposedlower than the right upper arm and connected to the lower frame, theright lower arm supporting the right rear wheel; a left shock absorberconnected to the upper frame and to the left upper arm or to the leftlower arm; and a right shock absorber connected to the upper frame andto the right upper arm or to the right lower arm; wherein the upperframe includes: a first upper connection to which the connection frameis connected; and a second upper connection to which the connectionframe is connected, the second upper connection being located rightwardof the first upper connection; the lower frame includes: a first lowerconnection to which the connection frame is connected; and a secondlower connection to which the connection frame is connected, the secondlower connection being located rightward of the first lower connection;a distance between the first upper connection and the second upperconnection is longer than a distance between the first lower connectionand the second lower connection; the left shock absorber includes afirst upper end portion disposed between the first and second upperconnections in a rear view of the vehicle, the first upper end portionbeing connected to the upper frame; the right shock absorber includes asecond upper end portion disposed between the first and second upperconnections and rightward of the first upper end portion in the rearview of the vehicle, the second upper end portion being connected to theupper frame; the arm connector includes at least one auxiliary frameextending forward from the connection frame; and the connection frameincludes: a first section that inclines inward toward a widthwise centerof the vehicle as the first section extends downward; and a secondsection that inclines outward away from the widthwise center of thevehicle as the second section extends downward, the second section beinglocated lower than the first section; and the auxiliary frame extendsforward from between the first section and the second section.
 18. Thevehicle according to claim 17, further comprising a connection betweenthe auxiliary frame and the connection frame, the connection beingdisposed rightward of the first lower connection and leftward of thesecond lower connection.
 19. A vehicle comprising: an engine; an upperframe disposed higher than the engine; a lower frame disposed below theupper frame, the lower frame supporting the engine; a connection frameconnected to the upper frame and the lower frame at positions rearwardof the engine; a left rear wheel; a right rear wheel; a left upper armdisposed leftward of the connection frame, the left upper arm supportingthe left rear wheel; a right upper arm disposed rightward of theconnection frame, the right upper arm supporting the right rear wheel;an arm connector disposed rightward of the left upper arm and leftwardof the right upper arm, the arm connector supporting the left upper armand the right upper arm; a left lower arm disposed lower than the leftupper arm and connected to the lower frame, the left lower armsupporting the left rear wheel; a right lower arm disposed lower thanthe right upper arm and connected to the lower frame, the right lowerarm supporting the right rear wheel; a left shock absorber connected tothe upper frame and to the left upper arm or to the left lower arm; aright shock absorber connected to the upper frame and to the right upperarm or to the right lower arm; and upper auxiliary frames disposedhigher than the arm connector and extending forward from the upperframe; wherein the upper frame includes: a first upper connection towhich the connection frame is connected; and a second upper connectionto which the connection frame is connected, the second upper connectionbeing located rightward of the first upper connection; the lower frameincludes: a first lower connection to which the connection frame isconnected; and a second lower connection to which the connection frameis connected, the second lower connection being located rightward of thefirst lower connection; a distance between the first upper connectionand the second upper connection is longer than a distance between thefirst lower connection and the second lower connection; the left shockabsorber includes a first upper end portion disposed between the firstand second upper connections in a rear view of the vehicle, the firstupper end portion being connected to the upper frame; the right shockabsorber includes a second upper end portion disposed between the firstand second upper connections and rightward of the first upper endportion in the rear view of the vehicle, the second upper end portionbeing connected to the upper frame; and the first upper end portion ofthe left shock absorber and the second upper end portion of the rightshock absorber are disposed inward relative to the upper auxiliaryframes in a width direction of the vehicle.
 20. A vehicle comprising: anengine; an upper frame disposed higher than the engine; a lower framedisposed below the upper frame, the lower frame supporting the engine; aconnection frame connected to the upper frame and the lower frame atpositions rearward of the engine; a left rear wheel; a right rear wheel;a left upper arm disposed leftward of the connection frame, the leftupper arm supporting the left rear wheel; a right upper arm disposedrightward of the connection frame, the right upper arm supporting theright rear wheel; an arm connector disposed rightward of the left upperarm and leftward of the right upper arm, the arm connector supportingthe left upper arm and the right upper arm; a left lower arm disposedlower than the left upper arm and connected to the lower frame, the leftlower arm supporting the left rear wheel; a right lower arm disposedlower than the right upper arm and connected to the lower frame, theright lower arm supporting the right rear wheel; a left shock absorberconnected to the upper frame and to the left upper arm or to the leftlower arm; a right shock absorber connected to the upper frame and tothe right upper arm or to the right lower arm; a first left frontconnector connecting the left upper arm and the arm connector to eachother; a first left rear connector disposed rearward of the first leftfront connector, the first left rear connector connecting the left upperarm and the arm connector to each other; a first right front connectorconnecting the right upper arm and the arm connector to each other; anda first right rear connector disposed rearward of the first right frontconnector, the first right rear connector connecting the right upper armand the arm connector to each other; wherein the upper frame includes: afirst upper connection to which the connection frame is connected; and asecond upper connection to which the connection frame is connected, thesecond upper connection being located rightward of the first upperconnection; the lower frame includes: a first lower connection to whichthe connection frame is connected; and a second lower connection towhich the connection frame is connected, the second lower connectionbeing located rightward of the first lower connection; a distancebetween the first upper connection and the second upper connection islonger than a distance between the first lower connection and the secondlower connection; the left shock absorber includes a first upper endportion disposed between the first and second upper connections in arear view of the vehicle, the first upper end portion being connected tothe upper frame; the right shock absorber includes a second upper endportion disposed between the first and second upper connections andrightward of the first upper end portion in the rear view of thevehicle, the second upper end portion being connected to the upperframe; the first upper end portion of the left shock absorber isdisposed rightward of the first left front connector in the rear view ofthe vehicle; and the second upper end portion of the right shockabsorber is disposed leftward of the first right front connector in therear view of the vehicle.